THE ENGAGEMENT AT MATI: GREEK ARTILLERY MAKING GOOD PRACTICE, 1897; It was generally agreed that the Greeks had more than held their own during the final engagement at Mati before the retreat was ordered. The morning had been taken up by a hot duel between the Greek and Turkish batteries, with but small loss to the Greeks. Hitherto the Turkish fire had ceased about midday, but on this occasion there was no interval, and shells came screaming overhead without any intermission. Turkish infantry advanced on the Greek left wing, and were compelled to retire. The Turkish cavalry prepared to charge, but also retired in face of the Greek fire. An attack on the right centre fared no better. When the day was over everything pointed to an interesting fight on the morrow. The subsequent abandonment by the Greeks of their position, which was followed by the disgraceful stampede, is therefore inexplicable.